“I think that if we start to think about the world in a much broader way, and sort of lift ourselves out of the immediacy of Silicon Valley— and this goes for both investors and founders— there are much, much bigger market opportunities for us to get excited about.”

— Monique Woodard (Founder at Cake Ventures)

Today's guest is Monique Woodard, Founder at Cake Ventures. Cake Ventures has a simple, effective motto, “Investing in where we’re going, not where we came from.” Monique invests at the intersection of technology and newly powerful consumer groups who are mostly overlooked by most. 

Before starting her venture firm, Monique worked at 500 Startups, investing in pre-seed and seed companies in the US and Africa. She also worked as a product-focused operator and founded a national community of tech entrepreneurs.

Monique symbolizes how one can live a self-directed, meaningful life regardless of your background. Any investor and operator who is building the future of humanity can benefit from watching this video! You will feel a kinship with what Monique has to share! :)

“To put a clear perspective on it like back when I started, there were really very few black people in venture. There was Charles Hudson, and like that was it.”

— Monique Woodard

Highlights

• Investing in where we’re going, not where we came from. 
• Venture Capital as a culture-setting vehicle. 
• The evolving state of diversity in tech and venture. 
• Market trends, changing demographics, and the newly powerful consumer groups. 
• The growing economic power of women in the world.
• Gray New World— the aging market is still in its infancy. 
• Journey to the west— from programming to venture investing.
• Breaking the mold for a more diverse, equitable venture ecosystem.